The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on Nigerians, particularly the youths, to rise above religious and ethnic intolerance and embrace unity, harmony, and love as the foundation for national progress.
Mrs Tinubu made the call on Monday in Abuja at the National Christian Youth Leaders Conference, organised by the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), with the theme “Let the Truth Set You Free.”
Her appeal came in response to the recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, following alleged killings of Christians in parts of the country.
Represented by Mrs Salamatu Gbajabiamila, wife of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, the First Lady urged Christian youths to serve as instruments of peace and tolerance by rejecting every form of hate and prejudice.
“These times call for love, enhanced unity, and fervent prayers,” she said.
“Let us choose harmony over division, be our brother’s keeper, and stand against every form of religious bigotry or ethnic intolerance.”
Mrs Tinubu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to sustaining peace and security under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that the church remains a critical partner in moral and national rebirth.
“Our pulpits, our prayers, and our programmes are the incubators of the moral regeneration Nigeria needs.
“I urge our Christian youths to embrace the truth as their compass and speak boldly against lies of division,” she added.
The First Lady also encouraged young Christians to use their platforms—particularly social media, campus fellowships, and community outreach—to promote messages of unity, love, and resilience.
“A house divided against itself cannot stand. Champion education as the great equaliser and equip young minds to seek truth always,” she said.
In his remarks, the National Christian Youth Leader and Convener of the Summit, Belusochukwu Enwere, said the U.S. designation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern was an “overgeneralisation” that failed to reflect the country’s complex reality and the ongoing efforts of government to protect all citizens.
“This is a moment that demands not defensiveness but dialogue; not division, but discernment,” Enwere stated.
“We stand to say: stop the killings of Christians, stop the killings of Muslims, stop the killings of all Nigerians. Every life matters.”
He urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts at protecting lives and property across the country, especially in communities ravaged by violent attacks in Plateau, Benue, and Kaduna States, and to prioritise national security over politics.
“To our leaders and security commanders: act now. Strengthen intelligence, equip the armed forces, punish collaborators, and protect the people—both in the cities and rural areas,” he said.
While commending the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) for fostering dialogue and mediation between Christians and Muslims, Enwere urged Christian youths to become “agents of reconciliation” by organising interfaith town halls and social campaigns that promote peace and understanding.
“Let the truth set you free to advocate boldly and bridge divides. Together, we can transform lament into legacy,” he said.
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